The Indian Contract Act

"Agent" and "principal" defined

Who may employ agent

Who may be an agent

Consideration not necessary

Agent's authority may be expressed or implied

Definitions of express and implied authority

Extent of agent's authority

Agent's authority in an emergency


Appointment and authority of agents


An agent has authority, in an emergency, to do all such
acts for the purpose of protecting his principal from loss as would be done by a person of ordinary
prudence, in his own case, under similar circumstances.

Illustrations

(a) An agent for sale may have goods repaired if it be necessary.

(b) A consigns provisions to B at Calcutta, with directions to send them immediately to C, at Cuttack. B may sell the
provisions at Calcutta, if they will not bear the journey to Cuttack without spoiling.

LAWGIST

# 189 Agent's authority in an emergency